From Ear To Ear
From the streets of Brooklyn comes La Fantástica, a brash, big‑band Latin orchestra whose debut on Joe Bataan’s Ghetto Records produced an underground salsa gem laced with unexpected psychedelic soul. Originally released in 1971, From Ear To Ear pairs hard‑driving Latin rhythms with the beguiling, English‑language slow‑burn of “Latin Blues,” a track that blurs salsa, soul, and psych textures.
Ghetto Records was Joe Bataan’s bold bid for independence — a label born from frustration with an indust…
The Alegre All Stars
Born from a studio jam organized by Al Santiago in 1961, the "Alegre All Stars" was inspired by the famous late 50's Cuban jam sessions. Originally published by Alegre Records, a New York City based label specialized in Latin music, this album stands as a legendary release in the field. This is like an open door on a wild Nuyorican party including food, drinks and an ongoing selection of highly infectious Latin grooves to dance to.
"When producer, innovator, and self-described “extrovert of mani…